Telephone call messaging device

ABSTRACT

A messaging device is disclosed. The device is connected to a telephone line and communicates with other devices identical to itself via a communications link established over existing phone lines, power lines or via wireless communications mechanisms. The messaging device records caller ID data upon detection of an incoming telephone call and prompts the user to enter additional data regarding the caller in assembling a message data packet including predefined messages. The message data packet is then transmitted to an identical messaging device wherein the caller ID data, caller name, caller&#39;s company, and predefined messages are presented to the intended recipient of the message contained in the message data packet. Additional features include handwritten or typed detailed messages contained in said message data packet and security for preventing unauthorized viewing of message data. The messaging device is optionally integrated into the design of a telephone.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to electroniccommunication devices and more particularly to devices for use in anoffice environment for transmitting and receiving messages relating totelephone calls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] An office receptionist is nearly always responsible for answeringthe company telephone and writing down the name and telephone number ofthe caller, the date and time of the call, as well as the name of theperson for whom the written message is prepared. In a typical telephonecall the person answering the phone records the date, time, name of thecaller, name of the person who will receive the message, and anyadditional information to be conveyed in the message. For theconvenience of the receptionist, pads of paper with form blanks fordate, time, and names and additional predefined messages such as“returned your call”, “will call again”, “wants to see you” and thelike, with check boxes adjacent to the predefined messages, areavailable from office supply stores. Adhesive backed memo pads are alsoavailable wherein the memo can be stuck to a surface as a result of theadhesive on the underside of the paper surface.

[0003] Normally, the written message is placed in a message holder withemployee names attached thereto, and employees pick up their messages atthe receptionist desk at their next convenience. Alternatively, thereceptionist might physically deliver the messages to the office of therecipient, or secretaries may attend to this task. In either scenario,valuable work time is lost while employees transport small pieces ofpaper with simple messages around the office. Occasionally, thereceptionist needs to deliver the message immediately to the recipient,particularly if the recipient is already using the phone in his/heroffice, is in a meeting and does not wish to receive telephone calls, orif there is some urgency associated therewith. When immediate deliveryis required, physical delivery of the message is inconvenient anddistracting in regard to the receptionists other duties and forces thereceptionist to forego other duties.

[0004] There are computer based messaging systems that utilize apersonal computer for receiving telephone message data input from thereceptionist and transmitting the messages to the recipient's computervia local area networks. However, if the recipient's computer is notpowered on, or a network problem exists, or a power outage occurs andbackup batteries are not in use, or the appropriate programs are notrunning on the recipient's computer, such a computer based messagingsystem fails to provide that which is needed, a messaging system forconveying telephone call messages. In addition, where a personalcomputer is not needed to carry out an employees job responsibilities,the cost of a personal computer is not justified simply for receivingtelephone call messages or memos.

[0005] In smaller organizations wherein various employees may beresponsible for answering telephone calls, it becomes necessary for eachemployee to have available a telephone message memo pad and write downtelephone memos or messages when calls are received. Further, the memosmust be delivered to the appropriate recipient, and again, a loss ofworking time is generated delivering memos around the office to therecipient.

[0006] What is needed is a device that provides added convenience to theuser in creating electronic telephone messages or memos and dispatchingsame to the appropriate recipient immediately. Such a device should takeadvantage of existing office wiring and telephone systems so thatinstallation and use thereof is relatively inexpensive. In addition, thedevice should include electronics to automate the entry of some of thenecessary data, such as date and time of the call, as well as telephonecaller ID data.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A messaging device, according to one aspect of the presentinvention, comprises processor means including RAM, input control lines,output control lines, a real time clock for generating date/time dataand ROM for storing and executing a computer program, electronic displaymeans connected to output control lines of the processor for displayingvisual information to a user, the display means receiving display datasignals from the processor and producing a display in accordancetherewith, input means connected to the processor for receiving inputcommands from the user and supplying the input commands to theprocessor, communications means for establishing a data communicationslink with other messaging devices, caller ID detection means connectedto a telephone line for detecting caller ID data when a telephone calloccurs and supplying the caller ID data to the processor, and whereinthe processor performs the following steps: receiving the caller ID datawhen a telephone call occurs; displaying a formatted screen on theelectronic display means including the caller ID data, the date/timedata corresponding to the time the call was received and form blanks forthe user to enter additional data regarding the telephone call subjectmatter, the formatted screen also including a check list of predefinedmessages having blank check boxes adjacent to each predefined message;receiving message data from the user via the input means and displayingsame on the formatted screen, the message data including additionalinformation regarding the caller and the users selections of one or moreof the predefined messages and the destination address of a messagingdevice corresponding to a messaging device used by the intendedrecipient of the message data; receiving a send input from the user viathe input means; transmitting a message data packet comprised of thecaller ID data, the date/time data for the call and the message data viathe communications means to a recipients messaging device for displaythereon; receiving and storing message data packets received from othermessaging devices via the communications means; displaying one of themessage data packets received from other messaging devices on theelectronic display means; and receiving message navigation commands fromthe user via the input means and displaying one of a plurality of storedmessage packets on the electronic display means in accordance with themessage navigation commands.

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide a convenientmechanism for electronically exchanging telephone call messages.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to eliminate telephonemessage paper slips.

[0010] Still another object of the present invention is to automate thedelivery of telephone messages to a group of recipients.

[0011] These and other objects of the present invention will become moreapparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a telephone call messaging deviceaccording to the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 2 is a plan view of a telephone messaging device according tothe present invention.

[0014]FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the telephone messagingdevice of FIG. 2.

[0015]FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the telephone messagingdevice of FIG. 2.

[0016]FIG. 5 is a plan view of the telephone messaging device depictingdata entry screen and reply mode.

[0017]FIG. 6 is plan view of the telephone messaging device depictingthe MENU screen.

[0018]FIG. 7 is a plan view of the telephone messaging device depictingthe alphanumeric data entry screen.

[0019]FIG. 8 is a plan view of the telephone messaging device depictingthe name or number search screen.

[0020]FIG. 9 is a plan view of the telephone messaging device depictingthe audio playback/record screen.

[0021]FIG. 10 is a plan view of another telephone messaging device inaccordance with another aspect of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 11 is a flowchart for the main program executed by thetelephone messaging device.

[0023]FIG. 12 is a flowchart for the Call Detected step 204 of FIG. 11.

[0024]FIG. 13 is a flowchart for the User Input Command processing step208 of FIG. 11.

[0025]FIG. 14 is a flowchart for the Check Schedule Data step 210 ofFIG. 11.

[0026]FIG. 15 is a flowchart for the MENU screen displayed at step 260of FIG. 13.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0027] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principlesof the invention, reference will now be made to the embodimentsillustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations andfurther modifications in the illustrated devices, and such furtherapplications of the principles of the invention as illustrated thereinbeing contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art towhich the invention relates.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram for a telephonemessaging device 10 according to the present invention is shown.Messaging device 10 includes a microprocessor 12 or microcomputer havingRAM, ROM, and I/O (input/output) that comprises the controller of device10. Real time clock 14 provides date/time data to microprocessor 12.Real time clock 14 includes a battery backup feature so that a powerloss does not result in loss of the correct date/time. A flash memorydevice 16 contains sufficient storage space for storing a large quantityof data. Flash memory device 16 is contemplated as fully integrated orremovable in design such as removable compact flash media cards used incurrent products such as digital cameras for storage of image files.Such memory devices are now very reasonable in cost for as much as 64megabytes of storage. Audio circuitry 18 includes the necessaryelectronics such as a/d (analog to digital) and d/a (digital to analog)converters for microprocessor 12 to digitally reproduce audio on speaker21 and record audio signals in digital form from microphone 23.Alternatively, the audio electronics in circuitry 18 may be comprised ofCODECS (coder/decoders) well known in the art of cellular phonetechnologies for efficient recording and playback of digitized audio.(It is contemplated that a reduced cost version of device 10 may beproduced without audio messaging capability thereby eliminating the needfor audio components 18, 21 and 23). A liquid crystal display (LCD) 20receives signals from microprocessor 12 and responds by displayinggraphical images on display 20. LCD display 20 is a graphical electronicdisplay device similar to those found in PDA (portable digitalassistant) devices. A touch sensitive display overlay 22 input device ispositioned directly over display 20 and provides a mechanism for theuser to input data to microprocessor 12. Touch sensitive display overlay22 and related technologies are also found in PDA devices such as thePalm Pilot® PDA. A computer interface 24 provides the mechanism formicroprocessor 12 to communicate with external devices such as personalcomputers or PDAs. Computer interface 24 is preferably a USB (UniversalSerial Bus) or Firewire® (IEEE 1394) interface developed for use ininter-computer communications to provide a very fast communications linkbetween intelligent devices. Telephone caller ID electronics 26 includescircuitry for detecting caller ID data provided by a telephone companyover the local telephone lines. Caller ID electronics 26 is connected tothe telephone system wiring via cable 28 and provides caller ID data tomicroprocessor 12 upon receipt of such information from the telephonecompany over cable 28. A data communications interface 30 includeselectronics for establishing communications with other telephonemessaging devices identical to device 10 via data link 32. The datacommunications interface 30 and data link 32 are implemented by use oftechnologies for sending and receiving data packets over existing powerlines, telephone wiring, network cabling, or via radio frequencytechnologies such as wireless LAN (local area network) technologies.Such technologies are well known and one skilled in the art may readilyimplement any of the various communications technologies that do notrequire additional wiring be installed in a facility to establishcommunications between intelligent devices. It is also contemplated thatstandard networking protocols such as the TCP/IP suite of networkingcomponents are used to transmit and receive data over data link 32.

[0029] Computer interface 24 is also an alternative mechanism by whichalphanumeric data may be entered by the user of messaging device 10. Acomputer program driver on a personal computer redirects keyboard inputfrom the computer via interface 24 to messaging device 10 for data entryin the various textbox GUI (graphical user interface) program objectsdescribed below.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, a telephone messaging device 10according to one aspect of the present invention is shown. Messagingdevice 10 is contained within case 34 made from plastic or othersuitable material. Graphical display 20 is shown in FIG. 2. with onedisplay configuration or screen in accordance with the primary operatingmode of device 10. A touch sensitive overlay 22 (that is transparent) ispositioned over display 20 and provides input signals to microprocessor12 when stylus 36 is depressed on top of the overlay 22. Softwaremapping techniques are implemented to associate regions of the overlaywith graphical program objects shown on display 20. A PDA operatingsystem such as Windows CE from Microsoft Corporation is contemplated asone potential GUI solution for creation of the software and graphicalprogramming objects discussed in relation to messaging device 10.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3, a rear elevational view of messagingdevice 10 is shown. From this perspective, the external connections todevice 10 are shown. In particular, a power connector 38, a microphonejack 40, a telephone system connector 42, a USB interface connector 44,a compact flash media card slot 46, and a small grill area 48 behindwhich speaker 21 is positioned are all shown.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 4, a front elevational view of themessaging device 10 is shown. This view depicts the slight inclinationangle at which the display 20 is positioned so that it is more readilyviewed by the user. It is contemplated that the angle of inclination ofthe display may vary over a wide range.

[0033] Referring back to FIG. 2, the various visual elements or GUIobjects displayed on display 20 will now be described. As in a PDA, theunderlying graphical elements shown are typical components of a GUI(graphical user interface) well known in the computing industry. Arecipient drop-down listbox 50 provides a mechanism for selecting thosemessaging devices that will receive a message data packet created bymessaging device 10. Recipients may include individuals or groups ofindividuals. Defining groups is discussed below. Alternatively, listbox50 is a “multi-select” type listbox allowing for selection of multipleentries in listbox 50 thereby enabling the selection of multipleindividual recipients and/or multiple groups that will receive aparticular message data packet. Typically listbox 50 is populated withnames of persons corresponding to messaging devices (during setup amessaging device 10 is assigned a name corresponding to the person whowill be using the device) and group names. Textbox 52 is provided fordisplaying caller ID information received by microprocessor 12 viatelephone caller id electronics 26. Textbox 54 displays user inputinformation regarding the name of the telephone caller's name. Textbox56 displays company name of the caller entered by the user. Textbox 58is a date/time text box that is automatically populated with date/timedata when a telephone call is received (microprocessor 12 becomes awareof a new telephone call when caller ID electronics 26 provides caller IDdata to microprocessor 12). Alternatively, textbox 58 displays thedate/time of a current message being displayed by device 10. Upondetection of a telephone call microprocessor 12 obtains the currentdate/time from real time clock 14 and enters that data into textbox 58.Textbox 60 receives user input data regarding the caller's telephonenumber if that number is different from that shown in textbox 52. Aplurality of checkboxes with corresponding descriptions are providedthat enable the user with a single tap of stylus 36 on the checkbox orthe text adjacent the checkbox to enable or disable the mark within thecheckbox (typically an “X”) in the corresponding checkbox. Thesecheckboxes include a FAX checkbox 62, a MOBILE checkbox 64, andcheckboxes corresponding to a plurality of predefined messages includingPHONED checkbox 66, RETURNED YOUR CALL checkbox 68, PLEASE CALL checkbox70, WILL CALL AGAIN checkbox 72, CAME TO SEE YOU checkbox 74 and WANTSTO SEE YOU checkbox 76. A message area 78 provides region of the display20 wherein a custom handwritten message may be entered by the userregarding the telephone call. Information entered into the message area78 includes additional information useful to the recipient of themessage regarding the telephone caller's purpose or business. Messagedata is entered in message area 78 by printing or writing on the areawith stylus 36 or tapping the DISPLAY KEYBOARD pushbutton 80. Printed orhandwritten messages are converted to a digital data format and the datais compressed for efficiency in storing the data to memory device 16. Avariety of compressed digital graphical image formats such as JPEG(named after the group Joint Photographic Experts Group that developedthe file format), GIF (graphs interchange format) and TIFF (tagged imagefile format) are well known and used for compressing and storinggraphical images such as the data input from touch sensitive displayoverlay 22 that defines handwritten messages in the present invention.Handwriting recognition software is optionally included to transform thehandwritten message into alphanumeric data. Handwriting to ASCIIconversion software is well known in the art. Tapping pushbutton 80causes an alphanumeric data entry screen to appear on display 20 asshown in FIG. 7. Tapping CLEAR pushbutton 83 will clear or erasehandwriting or typed data entered into message area 78. A plurality ofgraphical pushbuttons (GUI visual program objects) are provided toactivate various functional actions provided by messaging device 10. UPARROW pushbutton 82 and DOWN ARROW pushbutton 84 provide messagenavigation forward and backward in the current message list stored bymicroprocessor 12 and displayable on display 20. Similarly the HOMEpushbutton 86 and the END pushbutton 88 enable rapid movement to thefirst or last message available for display, respectively. CLRpushbutton 90 instructs microprocessor 12 to clear the display of alldata in preparation for entering new data or for protecting the datafrom view by others. DEL pushbutton 92 instructs microprocessor 12 todelete the currently displayed message from memory. SCHED pushbutton 94,corresponding to the word “schedule”, signals microprocessor 12 todisplay a reminder data input screen where the user enters date/time andmessage data instructing microprocessor 12 in regard to a futuredate/time wherein a reminder message is displayed. SAVE pushbutton 96causes microprocessor 12 to save the message data packet for thecurrently displayed message into another area of permanent flash memory16. AUDIO pushbutton 98, when tapped by a stylus, instructsmicroprocessor 12 to display an audio playback/record screen and commandbuttons as shown in FIG. 9. SECURE pushbutton 100 instructsmicroprocessor 12 to enable a password security feature for thecurrently displayed message. Upon tapping pushbutton 100, the user isprompted to enter an alphanumeric password for the currently displayedmessage, and future attempts to redisplay that same message require theuser to input the correct password before the message may be viewed.SEND pushbutton 102 instructs microprocessor 12 to assemble a messagedata packet including caller ID data from textbox 52, name data fromtextbox 54, company name data from textbox 56, date/time data fromtextbox 58, additional telephone number data from textbox 60, checkboxdata settings for predefined messages in checkboxes 62-76, and dataentered into message area 78 and send the assembled message data packetto the messaging device identified in the “For” dropdown listbox 50.MENU pushbutton 104 instructs microprocessor 12 to display the menucommand screen shown in FIG. 6 on display 20.

[0034] The receipt of new messages is indicated by NEW MESSAGE textbox65. Data in textbox 65 is altered to indicate the quantity of newmessages received. Further, an audible brief beep sound is generated bymicroprocessor 12 via audio circuitry 18 and speaker 21 when a newmessage data packet is received via datalink 32. As new message areviewed, the data in textbox 65 is altered by microprocessor 12 toindicate how many messages remain to be viewed.

[0035] Audio messages may be recorded and attached to a message datapacket or message record. When audio data is present in a messagerecord, and that message is displayed that has an audio data recordcomponent, an audio indicator 81 resembling a speaker icon is shown ondisplay 20. Other audio message attachment indicators such as an audiblebeep (a two tone beep serves to distinguish an audio attachment from asingle beep corresponding to a new message received), flashing displayindicators or a text message indicating an audio data component for thepresent message record are also contemplated. It is also contemplatedthat audio messages are automatically reproduced on speaker 21 when amessage data packet or record having an audio data component isdisplayed by the user of device 10.

[0036] Operationally speaking, messaging device 10 will be described inaccordance with the example message data shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, thecurrent message has been designated “For” James Smith as the recipientin accordance with the user selection thereof in listbox 50. In reality,this the selection of James Smith is a selection of the telephonemessaging device used by James Smith and the name corresponds to a unitlogical identifier or network address used in transmitting data todevices connected to datalink 32. Caller ID data is displayedautomatically in textbox 52 in response to a telephone call detected bymicroprocessor 12 receiving data from caller ID electronics 26. Thecaller's name is entered by the user in textbox 54 (if different fromthe name appearing in the caller ID textbox 52) and the caller's companyname is entered in textbox 56 if different from the caller ID data.Current date/time of the call is recorded automatically bymicroprocessor 12 in textbox 58. In the event the caller's telephonenumber differs from that shown in caller ID textbox 52, anothertelephone number is entered in textbox 60. As shown in the currentexample, checkboxes 66, 70 and 76 includes an “X” therein indicating theuser has selected those predefined messages as they relate to thetelephone call from Joe Salesman. A hand printed message is shown inmessage area 78. When the message data packet defining all the datashown in the display screen of device 10 is transmitted to anothertelephone messaging device (identical to device 10) pushbutton 106 witha label of “Activate Reply Mode” is displayed or made active on therecipient device.

[0037] When activated, pushbutton 106 causes microprocessor 12 to splitthe message, area 78 into two distinct areas, with the area designated78 a identified as the “Reply” area. A hand printed, handwritten, oralphanumeric reply message is then entered at area 78 a by the recipient(here James Smith, identified in textbox 50). Tapping CLEAR pushbutton85 will clear or erase handwriting or typed data entered into messagearea 78 a. The messaging device 10 in use by the originator of themessage (Receptionist) then receives command data from James Smith'smessaging device to enter into a “real time” data transfer mode whereinthe Receptionist's messaging device displays the reply message shown inFIG. 5 in “real time”, that is, as data is entered by James Smith at hismessaging device in area 78 a. The message in area 78 a willsimultaneously be displayed on the originators messaging device and therecipient's messaging device in either graphical handwriting form or inthe format of alphanumeric computer generated characters based on dataentered via keyboard data entry. The “real time” reply mode provides aconvenient mechanism for a person to immediately notify the sender of amessage in regard to information that should be conveyed without delay.While the devices are in “real time” mode, the sender (here the“Receptionist”) may also enter additional data in the message area 78and such input is immediately transmitted by microprocessor 12 to thesecond messaging device for immediate display. When the real time replymode of operation is no longer needed, either party may activatepushbutton 107 to deactivate the reply mode and cease real time dataexchange between the messaging devices. The real time data exchange modeis accomplished by microprocessor 12 continuously exchanging databetween the two messaging devices via data communications interfaceelectronics 30 and data link 32. NEW MESSAGES textbox 65 now depictsthat a new message has been received. Various checkboxes 68, 72 74 andpushbuttons 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 92, 92, 94 96, 98, 100, 102 and 104 arealso shown in FIG. 5.

[0038] A person receiving a new message may desire to add furtherinformation to a received message on occasion, and the followingdescribes the mechanism provided by device 10 for accomplishing such.Upon receiving a message at the recipients messaging device, the usermay write or print in the message area 78 or tap pushbutton 80 todisplay the keyboard data entry screen and append additional messageinformation into message area 78. Microprocessor 12 appends keyboard orcharacter data entered by the user below the existing message in area78. Additional message information such as “will send sample products”or “new source for product” are examples of additional text informationa user may enter into message area 78. Tapping the SAVE pushbutton afterentering additional text in message area 78 instructs microprocessor 12to save in memory 16 the additional message data in area 78 with theoriginal message data record for the current displayed message.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 6, a menu display screen for messagingdevice 10 that is displayed in response to activation of MENU pushbutton104 is shown. In FIG. 6 an array of pushbuttons corresponding toadditional features or functionality provided by messaging device 10 areshown. SEARCH FOR NAME/NUMBER pushbutton 110 instructs microprocessor todisplay a search screen for previously saved or stored messagescontaining character strings. The search feature is described in detailbelow in association with FIG. 8. Pushbutton 112 activates the AUDIOrecord/playback screen shown in FIG. 9 and described below. Pushbutton114 provides a mechanism for archiving data. Activation of pushbutton114 causes microprocessor 12 to transfer all message data recordsincluding message data packets, audio and reminder data packets to aremovable compact flash memory card or to a personal computer viacomputer interface 24. Pushbutton 116, when activated, instructsmicroprocessor 12 to display a list of messaging devices that have beendetected via device queries transmitted over data link 32. The user isthen provided with a list of known messaging devices from which the userof messaging device 10 may create groups or special lists of messagingdevices. The definition of groups enables the user to select a group asthe recipient of a particular message and upon activation of the SENDpushbutton 102, a message is transmitted to all messaging devices listedin the group definition. Tapping pushbutton 118 signals microprocessor12 to display “saved” message data packets. Saved messages are distinctfrom new or recently viewed message data packets (corresponding toentire messages) in that they are stored separately for futurereference. When displaying saved message data packets or records,messaging device 10 presents the data in a format shown in FIG. 2. It iscontemplated that a variety of alternative formats are conceivable fordisplaying information to a user of device 10. Navigation pushbuttons82, 84, 86 and 88 are used to navigate through the messages displayed.Pushbutton 120 SETUP DEVICE, when activated, instructs microprocessor 12to enter into a setup mode wherein the user enters a name for themessaging device (which will be the identifier name that other messagingdevices will know the device as) and the date/time setup. Other optionsavailable in the setup screen may include activation/deactivation of newmessage audio beeps. Also provided in the menu screen is an exitpushbutton 121. Tapping EXIT pushbutton 121 causes messaging device 10to return to a normal mode of operation as shown in FIG. 2 or to mode ofdisplaying message data packet information as in FIG. 5 depending uponthe display mode that was active prior to the activation of the menupushbutton 104.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 7, a plurality of pushbuttons 122 are shownthat correspond to a subset of the typical alphanumeric keys of akeyboard. Alphanumeric data is entered by the user via this screenconfiguration. A single tap of the stylus 36 on a character pushbuttoncauses the corresponding letter/number/symbol to appear in textbox 124.Movement of the insertion point within textbox 124 is accomplished bythe user tapping the cursor keys 126. Upon completion of entering thedesired data, the user taps pushbutton 128 (DONE) to complete entry ofthe data. The user may clear all the data in textbox 124 by tappingpushbutton 130 (CLEAR). The user may cancel the data entry mode bytapping the CANCEL pushbutton 132. In all instances where the user mayenter data into a textbox, it is contemplated that a simple stylusdouble-tap on any textbox discussed herein (such as textboxes 54, 56, 58and 60 as well as messaging area 78) activates the alphanumeric dataentry screen of FIG. 7 for data entry.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 8, a search screen for messaging device 10is shown. The search feature is activated when a user taps pushbutton110 in the menu screen of FIG. 6. The search screen includes a textbox134 wherein a search string is entered by the user. After entering thealphanumeric search string data in textbox 134, the user taps pushbutton136 (SEARCH) and microprocessor 12 searches data records for messagescontaining the search string of textbox 134. Microprocessor 12 searchesall message data packets or message records and populates list box 138with data from those message records. The search feature includes asearch of Caller ID data, caller name data, company data, and telephonenumber data. Wild card characters such as “*” and “?” well known in thecomputer art are contemplated as recognized by microprocessor 12. Todisplay the entire saved message for any of those entries shown inlistbox 138, the user taps the desired entry in listbox 138 to “select”it and then taps the DISPLAY MSG pushbutton 140. Alternatively, a singleor double tap on any of the listed messages in listbox 138 instructsmicroprocessor 12 to display that particular message in the format ofFIG. 5. When finished with the search feature, the user taps pushbutton142 to exit the search screen and return to standard display ofmessaging device 10 (shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 5).

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 9, the audio playback/record screen isshown. In this particular display screen, five audio functions areprovided. Recording of audio messages is activated by tapping pushbutton144. Audio input via microphone 23 is digitized by audio circuitry 18and microprocessor 12 and temporarily stored in memory by microprocessor12. A visual indicator (such as flashing on and off the text of theRECORD pushbutton) aids the user in knowing the record mode isactivated. It is contemplated that audio messages will be limited inlength in accordance with available unused memory storage in flashmemory. Tapping the STOP pushbutton 146 halts the recording or playbackprocess. Tapping the PLAYBACK AUDIO pushbutton 148 causes an audiomessage attached to a message data record to be played back via speaker21. Tapping the DELETE AUDIO FROM CURRENT MESSAGE pushbutton 150 causesaudio data attached to a message data record to be deleted. SAVE AUDIOWITH CURRENT MESSAGE AND EXIT pushbutton 152 causes the currentdigitized audio message data just recorded to be saved along with allother data for the currently active message data record. Also shown isEXIT/DONE pushbutton 154 which instructs microprocessor 12 to exit theplayback/record audio mode of operation and return to the modes shown inFIG. 2 or 5.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 10, another embodiment 160 of the presentinvention is shown. In this embodiment a messaging device 10 is fullyintegrated into a standard multiline telephone 162. Such a combinationof functionality conserves desktop space.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 11, the main flowchart for the programexecuted by messaging device 10 is shown. At step 200, on power up, thesystem is initialized. Initialization steps include: displaying theformatted display as shown in FIG. 2; transmitting or broadcasting adevice identification query message via data communications interface 30to all other similar telephone messaging devices, any messaging devicesreceiving the device identification query respond by transmitting a datapacket including their logical unit or device number and a namecorresponding to the user of the device for entry in dropdown listbox50; and initializing computer interface 24 and determining whether aninterface with a personal computer is present and whether the keyboardof a local personal computer shall be used for alphanumeric data entry.It is contemplated that the underlying communications protocol used bydevice 10 periodically ascertains the existence of other devicesconnected to datalink 32 and updates the information in listbox 50accordingly, much the same as the Windows operating systems implementthe network “browse” functionality. Following step 200, programexecution continues at step 202. At step 202, microprocessor 12 checksfor new caller ID data from caller ID electronics 26. If new caller IDdata is detected, program execution continues at step 204. At step 204 anew telephone call is processed, data is entered by the user as requiredto fully define a new message data packet and the message data packet issent to the desired recipient messaging device as selected by the user.Step 204 is described in more detail in the discussion of the flowchartof FIG. 12. Following step 204, execution continues at step 206. If atstep 202 no new call has been detected, execution continues at step 206.At step 206, if user input has been detected by microprocessor 12, step208 is next executed. At step 208 user input is processed in accordancewith the flowchart shown in FIG. 13. Following step 208 programexecution proceeds to step 210. If no user input is detected at step 206then program execution continues at step 210. At step 210 microprocessor12 checks schedule data for reminder messages that have come due fordisplay in accordance with reminder data packets previously stored. Thedetails of step 210 are more fully described in relation to thediscussion of flowchart of FIG. 14 below. After step 210, step 212 isexecuted and if any new message data packets are received from othertelephone messaging devices then the message data packet is stored, thenew messages counter displayed in textbox 65 is incremented and themessage data packet is displayed in accordance with the format of FIG.5. Optionally, the new message is stored and later displayed in responseto activation of one of the message navigation command pushbuttons 82,84, 86 or 88. Following step 214, execution returns to step 202. If atstep 212 a new message data packet has not been received, programexecution returns to step 202. It should be recognized that in thedesign of microprocessor based systems, receipt of communications andinput data is normally interrupt driven. Input processing by messagingdevice 10 is shown in the FIG. 11 flowchart form for ease ofunderstanding the operation of the device.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 12, a flowchart for the “Call Detected”step 204 of FIG. 11 is shown. At step 220, microprocessor 12 obtainscaller ID data from caller ID electronics 26 including caller telephonenumber and caller name. Next at step 222, microprocessor 12 initializesdisplay 20 for input of data for a new message data packet as shown inFIG. 2. Caller ID data is automatically inserted in textbox 52, date andtime data is obtained from real time clock 14 and the date and time dataare automatically inserted into textbox 58. Next at step 224, the userselects a recipient for the message from listbox 50, enters additionalname data in textbox 54, enters company name data in text box 56,additional telephone number information in textbox 60, selects or checkspredefined message checkboxes where appropriate (checkboxes 62-76) alldescribed above in relation to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, and enters any customor handwritten message desired in message area 78. Next at step 226, theuser taps the SEND pushbutton 102 and microprocessor 12 creates amessage data packet comprised of data from textboxes 52, 54, 56, 58, 60,checkbox data from checkboxes 62-76 and any custom message data enteredinto message area 78 and transmits the message data packet to themessaging device (or devices in the event of a group definition inlistbox 50) defined by the user selection in listbox 50. Following step226, program execution returns to the calling routine.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 13, a flowchart for processing user inputcorresponding to step 206 is shown in more detail. At step 230,microprocessor 12 tests whether the input from the user is a navigationcommand input corresponding to activation of pushbuttons 82, 84, 86 or88. Such navigation pushbuttons instruct microprocessor 12 to displaythe message data packets for currently received or saved messages.Navigation pushbuttons include the next message pushbutton 82, previousmessage pushbutton 84, HOME pushbutton 86 and END pushbutton 88. If anavigation input command is detected at step 230 then executioncontinues at step 232 and microprocessor 12 will display a new messagedata packet in accordance with the navigation input command. If the userinput is not a navigation input at step 230, then execution continues atstep 234. Following step 232 execution continues at step 234.

[0047] If at step 234 the user input is activation of the CLR pushbutton90, then program execution continues at step 236 and the data displayedis cleared on display 20 and a blank input screen such as that shown inFIG. 2 is displayed. After step 236 program execution continues at step238. If the CLR command is not received at step 234, program executioncontinues at step 238. If a DEL pushbutton 92 command is detected atstep 238 then program execution proceeds with step 240 where thecurrently displayed message is cleared from the display and thecorresponding message data packet for the message is deleted from memoryby microprocessor 12. Optionally, a “delete confirmation” message may bedisplayed requiring the user confirm the delete operation. Preferably,messaging device 10 would then display the next unviewed message if anymessage data packets are as yet unviewed by the user. If at step 238 theuser input is not a DEL command, program execution continues at step242. After step 240, execution continues at step 242. If a SCHEDpushbutton 96 command is detected at step 242, program executioncontinues at step 244. In step 244, microprocessor 12 displays ascheduling data input screen and prompts the user to enter date/time andadditional text message data to be displayed at the future date/timespecified. The user enters such data and a reminder data record iscreated therefrom by microprocessor 12 and stored in flash memory 16.After step 244, execution continues at step 246. If the user input atstep 242 is not a SCHED command, execution continues at step 246.

[0048] At step 246 user input is compared with the. SAVE command oractivation of pushbutton 96, and if the command is detected, programexecution continues at step 248. At step 248, the currently displayedmessage data packet on screen is permanently saved to flash memory as a“saved” message data packet (as opposed to temporarily stored messagedata packets received from any messaging devices). Alternatively, if theuser has appended keyboard entered data or handwritten text in messagearea 78, tapping the SAVE pushbutton 96 instructs microprocessor 12 tosave the user modified data shown in message area 78 into memory 16 forthe message currently displayed on display 20, whether the message is apermanently saved or temporarily stored message data packet. Followingstep 248 execution continues at step 250. If at step 246 the user inputis not a SAVE command, execution continues at step 250. At step 250, ifthe user input is a SECURE command (pushbutton 100) then executioncontinues at step 252 and microprocessor 12 displays a password entryscreen on display 20 wherein the user enters an alphanumeric passwordthat is coupled with the message data packet for the currently displayedmessage, securing the current message from view by others. Subsequentattempts to display or delete a password protected message data recordwill require entry of the correct password before hand. After step 252,execution continues at step 254. If the user input is not a SECUREcommand at step 250, execution continues at step 254.

[0049] If at step 254 the user input command is identified as a SENDcommand corresponding to the user tapping pushbutton 102, executionproceeds to step 256. At step 256, microprocessor 12 creates a messagedata packet comprised of all data input by the user in the varioustextboxes and checkboxes, message data from the message area 78, callerID data, and date/time data and transmits the message data packet to themessaging device identified by the recipient identifier data in listbox50. Again, the recipient identifier may be a group of messaging devices.After step 256, execution continues at step 258. If at step 254 the userinput is not a SEND command, execution continues at step 258. If at step258 the user input command is a MENU command (pushbutton 104) thenexecution continues at step 260. If the MENU command is not detected atstep 258 execution continues at step 262. At step 260, microprocessor 12displays the menu of additional commands and features shown in FIG. 6.Following step 260 execution continues at step 262.

[0050] At step 262 if the user input indicates that the user has tappedone of the checkboxes (62-76) then the display is updated to toggle orinvert the state of the checkbox and corresponding data is updated inmemory. Following step 264 execution continues at step 266. If the userinput at step 262 is not a “checkbox ticked” command then executioncontinues at step 266. If a Reply Mode command is detected at step 266then execution continues at step 268 wherein the current reply modestate of operation is inverted, either entering or exiting reply mode ofoperation discussed above. For example, if the reply mode is currentlyactive then the reply mode is deactivated, and vice versa. Followingstep 268 execution continues at step 270. At step 270 if the user isinputting data into a textbox or message area 78 or 78 a, then programexecution continues at step 272 and microprocessor 12 updates thedisplay 20 accordingly. For example, user input data via thealphanumeric data entry screen of FIG. 7 is processed here for entry ofdata into the textboxes of FIG. 2. Further, if the reply mode is active,user input data entered in message area 78 or 78 a is transmitted to amessaging device currently engaged in reply mode operation withmessaging device 10. If a user is viewing a previously received messageand desires to add further comments or notes to the message in area 78,additional message information input is received by microprocessor 12via touch sensitive overlay 22 and is appended into area 78 at step 272.Following step 272 execution returns to the calling routine. If at step270 the user input is not textbox or message area data, then executionreturns to the calling routine.

[0051] Referring now to FIG. 14, a flowchart for step 210 of FIG. 11 isshown. At step 280 microprocessor 12 obtains the current date/time fromreal time clock 14. Next at step 282 microprocessor 12 compares thecurrent date/time with the date/time data in previously stored reminderdata packets or records to ascertain whether any of the reminders havecome due. Next at step 284, those reminder data packets that are due fordisplay are displayed on display 20 (in serial fashion if more than onereminder is detected as due). Next at step 286 the user is prompted viaa displayed message to cancel or reschedule the reminder. If the userwishes to reschedule the reminder, execution continues at step 288 andmicroprocessor 12 inputs new reminder date/time data from the user forthe reminder data record currently of interest. If at step 286 the userresponse is to not reschedule the reminder message, then the reminderdata record is deleted at step 290. Following both step 290 and step288, execution returns.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 15, a flowchart is shown for step 260 ofFIG. 13 wherein the system MENU is displayed in response to the usertapping or activating pushbutton 104. The display 20 appears as is shownin FIG. 6 at this time. All user inputs discussed in regard to FIG. 15are with respect to functions available in the MENU screen. If the inputfrom the user at step 300 is an activation of pushbutton 110 the “SearchFor Name/Number” command, then execution continues at step 302. Thesearch screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed at step 302 and provides amechanism for the user to enter alphanumeric search strings and find allstored message data packets containing the search string of interest.The operation of the search feature is also described above in regard tothe discussion of FIG. 8. After step 302, program execution continues atstep 304. If the user input command is activation of the Record Audiopushbutton 112, execution continues at step 306 and microprocessor 12changes display 20 so that the Playback/Record Audio screen of FIG. 9 isshown. The commands available in the Playback/Record Audio screen arediscussed above and enable the user to record, playback or delete anexisting audio message. After step 306, execution continues at step 308.If the user input command is not pushbutton 112 at step 304, executioncontinues at step 308 thereafter. If at step 308 the user command isactivation of pushbutton 114, then execution continues at step 310 wherethe user is prompted to activate the process of transferring savedmessage data packets to a removable compact flash memory device insertedinto slot 46 of device 10 (see FIG. 3) or activating a transfer ofstored message data packets to a personal computer via computerinterface 24 for archiving data. Optionally, data archived on aremovable compact flash memory card or on a personal computer may berestored or recovered to the flash memory of messaging device 10 inaccordance with user input commands to restore data. Following step 310execution continues at step 312. If at step 308 the user input was notan archive data command, execution continues thereafter at step 312.

[0053] At step 312 if the user input is pushbutton 116 (Create RecipientGroup command) execution continues at step 314. At step 314,microprocessor 12 displays a listbox containing entries for allmessaging devices detected since power up of messaging device 10. Theuser inputs an alphanumeric name of a new group and adds one or moredetected messaging devices from the listbox to the newly created group.For example, those persons using a messaging device in marketing may beadded to a new group named “marketing” so that any messages data packetssent to “marketing” are delivered to a group of recipients. New groupdefinitions are stored in flash memory 16 and appear in listbox 50 as apotential message recipient. After step 314, execution continues at step316. If at step 312 the user input is not a pushbutton 116 commandinput, then execution continues at step 316. If at step 316 the userinput is pushbutton 118, the View Saved Messages option, then executioncontinues at step 318 and microprocessor 12 causes display 20 to displaypermanently saved message records saved via activation of the SAVEpushbutton 96. Saved messages are distinct from recently received orviewed messages as such are stored permanently for later recall, whereasnew messages are not stored in the same area of memory. This schemecreates two groups of stored message data packets, permanently savedmessage records and new unviewed and/or viewed messages records thathave not been “saved” via activation of pushbutton 96. The navigationpushbuttons 82, 84, 86 and 88 provide the user with a means to view thevarious saved message records. It is contemplated that the useractivates the CLR pushbutton 90 to exit the viewing of saved messagedata packets mode and return messaging device 10 to the MENU screen ofFIG. 6. After step 318, execution continues at step 320. If at step 316the user input is not pushbutton 118, execution continues at step 320.At step 320 if the user has activated the Setup Device pushbutton 120,then execution continues at step 322 and the user is prompted bymicroprocessor 12 via display 20 to enter setup information includingthe device name (for example “John Doe”) corresponding to the usersname, and inputting current date/time data for use in initializing realtime clock 14 to the current date/time. If the user changes the devicename, messaging device 10 broadcasts this information via datalink 32 toall other messaging devices to update their logical unit andcorresponding unit name data records. After step 322, executioncontinues at step 324. If the Exit Menu pushbutton 121 is activated bythe user at step 324 then execution returns to the calling routine,otherwise execution continues at step 300. Upon return from the MENUmode of FIG. 6, messaging device returns to the mode of displaying thelast displayed message prior to entering the MENU mode of operation.

[0054] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detailin the drawings and foregoing description of the preferred embodiment,the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive incharacter, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment hasbeen shown and described and that all changes and modifications thatcome within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

What is claimed is:
 1. A messaging device comprising: processor means including RAM, input control lines, output control lines, a real time clock for generating date/time data and ROM for storing and executing a computer program; electronic display means connected to said output control lines of said processor means for displaying visual information to a user, said display means receiving display data signals from said processor means and producing a display in accordance therewith; input means connected to said processor for receiving input commands from the user and supplying said input commands to said processor means; communications means for establishing a data communications link with other messaging devices; caller ID detection means connected to a telephone line for detecting caller ID data when a telephone call occurs and supplying said caller ID data to said input control lines of said processor means; and wherein said processor means performs the following steps: a) receiving said caller ID data when a telephone call occurs; b) displaying a, formatted screen on said electronic display means including said caller ID data, said date/time data corresponding to the time the call was received and form blanks for the user to enter additional data regarding the telephone call subject matter, said formatted screen also including a check list of predefined messages having blank checkboxes adjacent to each predefined message; c) receiving message data from the user via said input means and displaying same on said formatted screen, said message data including additional information regarding the caller and the users selections of one or more of said checkboxes corresponding to predefined messages and the destination address of a messaging device corresponding to a messaging device used by the intended recipient of the message data; d) receiving a send input from the user via said input means; e) transmitting a message data packet comprised of said caller ID data, the date/time data for the call and said message data via said communications means to a recipients messaging device for display thereon; f) receiving and storing message data packets received from other messaging devices via said communications means; g) displaying one of said message data packets received from other messaging devices on said electronic display means; and h) receiving message navigation commands from the user via said input means and displaying one of a plurality of stored message packets on said electronic display means in accordance with said message navigation commands.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said input means is a touch sensitive overlay disposed over said electronic display means.
 3. The device of claim 2 including flash memory means connected to said processor means for permanently storing said message data packets, and wherein said processor means saves message data packets received from other messaging devices in said flash memory means.
 4. The device of claim 2 further comprising: a speaker; audio output circuit means connected to said processor means and connected to said speaker, said audio circuit means supplying a sound output signal to said speaker in accordance with data received at a sound input of said audio circuit; and wherein said processor means supplies sound data to said sound input of said audio output circuit means upon receipt of one of said message data packets to produce a new message notification sound.
 5. The device of claim 4 further including: a microphone means that produces a microphone audio signal; audio input circuit means responsive to said microphone audio signal and producing a sound input data signal in accordance therewith; and wherein said processor means performs the following additional steps: a) storing a portion of said sound input data signal in accordance with input commands received from the user via said input means, and wherein said portion of said sound input data signal that is stored by said processor means is linked with one of said message data packets stored by said processor in said flash memory means; b) providing a visual indicator on said electronic display means to indicate an audio message is associated with a particular message data packet; and c) supplying said stored portion of said sound input data signal to said audio output circuit means to reproduce the sound defined thereby in response to user generated audio playback commands received via said input means.
 6. The device of claim 3 wherein said processor means performs the following additional steps: a) receiving an alphanumeric password via said input means; b) associating said alphanumeric password input with a particular message data packet stored in said flash memory means to produce a password protected message data packet; and c) prompting the user to enter said alphanumeric password when the user inputs a command via said input means to display said password protected message data packet.
 7. The device of claim 6 including PC interface means for exchanging data with a personal computer and wherein said processor means performs the following additional steps: a) receiving message data from said PC via said PC interface means and displaying same on said formatted screen; b) transmitting all message data packets received from other messaging devices via said PC interface means to a personal computer for archival purposes.
 8. The device of claim 6 further comprising removable flash memory interface connected to said processor means and removable flash memory means for permanent storage of data connected to said removable flash memory interface, and wherein said processor means performs the following additional steps: a) receiving an archive data command from the user; and b) transferring message data packets stored in said flash memory means to said removable flash memory.
 9. The device of claim 8 wherein said processor means performs the following additional steps: a) receiving a create reminder command from the user; b) displaying a reminder data entry screen; c) receiving one or more reminder record inputs from the user comprised of a reminder date/time data and a reminder message from the user; d) regularly monitoring the date/time from said real time clock and comparing same with said reminder date/time data of said one or more reminder records; and e) displaying particular ones of said reminder messages from said one or more reminder records when the data/time data from said real time clock corresponds with said reminder date/time data of said one or more reminder records.
 10. A messaging device comprising: a microcomputer including RAM, input control lines, output control lines, a real time clock for generating date/time data and ROM for storing and executing a computer program; an electronic graphical display connected to said output control lines of said microcomputer for displaying visual information to a user, said electronic graphical display receiving display data signals from said microcomputer and producing a visual display in accordance therewith; a touch sensitive overlay connected to said microcomputer, said touch sensitive overlay disposed over said electronic graphical display and supplying input data to said input control lines in accordance with physical contact by a stylus with said touch sensitive overlay; communications means for establishing a data communications link with other messaging devices; a caller ID circuit having a telephone line input connected to a telephone line, said caller ID circuit detecting caller ID data when a telephone call occurs, said caller ID circuit supplying a caller ID data signal to said input control lines of said microcomputer in accordance therewith; and wherein said microcomputer performs the following steps: a) receiving said caller ID data signal when a telephone call occurs; b) displaying a formatted data entry screen on said electronic graphical display including said caller ID data, said date/time data corresponding to the time the call was received and form blanks for the user to enter additional data regarding the telephone call subject matter, said formatted screen also including a list of predefined messages having blank checkboxes adjacent to each predefined message; c) receiving message data from the user via said touch sensitive overlay and displaying same on said graphical display, said message data including additional information regarding the caller and the users selections of one or more of said checkboxes corresponding to predefined messages and a destination address of a messaging device corresponding to a messaging device used by the intended recipient of the message data; d) receiving a send input from the user via said touch sensitive overlay; e) transmitting a message data packet comprised of said caller ID data, the date/time data for the call and said message data via said communications means to a recipients messaging device; f) receiving and storing for later recall message data packets received from other messaging devices via said communications means; g) displaying one of said message data packets received from other messaging devices on said electronic graphical display; and h) receiving message navigation commands from the user via said touch sensitive overlay and displaying one of a plurality of stored message packets on said electronic graphical display in accordance with said message navigation commands.
 11. The messaging device of claim 10 wherein said microcomputer performs the following additional steps: receiving appended message data input from the user through said touch sensitive overlay while said messaging device is displaying one of said message data packets received from other messaging devices on said graphical display; and storing said appended message data into said one of said message data packets received from other messaging devices in response to receiving a save command input from said touch sensitive overlay.
 12. The messaging device of claim 11 further comprising: a speaker; audio output circuit means connected to said microcomputer and connected to said speaker, said audio circuit means supplying a sound output signal to said speaker in accordance with data received at a sound input of said audio circuit; and wherein said microcomputer produces sound data and supplies said sound data to said sound input of said audio output circuit means to produce audible sounds.
 13. The device of claim 12 further including: a microphone means that produces a microphone audio signal; audio input circuit means responsive to said microphone audio signal and producing a sound input data signal in accordance therewith; and wherein said microcomputer performs the following additional steps: a) storing a portion of said sound input data signal in accordance with input commands received from the user via said touch sensitive overlay, and wherein said portion of said sound input data signal that is stored by said microcomputer is linked with one of said message data packets stored by said processor; b) providing a visual indicator on said electronic display to indicate an audio message is associated with a particular message data packet; and c) supplying said stored portion of said sound input data signal to said audio output circuit means to reproduce the sound defined thereby in response to user generated audio playback commands received via said touch sensitive overlay.
 14. The device of claim 11 including PC interface means for receiving character input data from a personal computer and wherein said microcomputer performs the following additional steps: a) receiving character input data from said PC via said PC interface means, displaying same on said formatted screen and appending said character input data in said message data packet.
 15. The device of claim 14 including PC interface means for exchanging data with a personal computer and wherein said microcomputer performs the following additional steps: a) receiving message data from said PC via said PC interface means and displaying same on said formatted screen; b) transmitting all message data packets received from other messaging devices via said PC interface means to a personal computer for archival purposes.
 16. The device of claim 11 including flash memory means connected to said processor means for permanently storing said message data packets, and wherein said processor means saves said message data packets received from other messaging devices in said flash memory means.
 17. The device of claim 16 wherein said microcomputer performs the following additional steps: a) receiving an alphanumeric password data input from the user via said touch sensitive overlay; b) associating said alphanumeric password data input with a particular message data packet stored in said flash memory means to produce a password protected message data packet; and c) prompting the user to enter said alphanumeric password in response to a user input command received via said touch sensitive overlay to display said password protected message data packet.
 18. The device of claim 17 wherein said flash memory means is removable and further includes a standard electrical interface for connection to flash memory compatible devices.
 19. The device of claim 18 wherein said microcomputer performs the following additional steps: a) receiving a create reminder command from the user via said touch sensitive overlay; b) displaying a reminder data entry screen on said graphical display; c) receiving via said touch sensitive overlay one or more reminder record inputs from the user comprised of a reminder date/time data and a reminder message; d) regularly monitoring the date/time data from said real time clock and comparing same with said reminder date/time data of said one or more reminder records; and e) displaying on said graphical display particular ones of said reminder messages from said one or more reminder records when the data/time data from said real time clock corresponds with said reminder date/time data of said one or more reminder records. 